Questions to Ask the Doctor

It is important to have honest, open discussions with your doctors and nurses. Feel free to ask questions, even if they seem trivial. Write your questions down so you will remember to ask them during each appointment. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• What is the stage of my disease? What is my prognosis?
• What are my treatment options? Can I be cured with surgery alone?
• If not, what other treatments would you recommend?
• Will my case be discussed in a multi-disciplinary planning conference before any irrevocable treatment decisions are made?
• What are the benefits of each treatment?
• What are the risks and side effects of each treatment?
• Do you have any advice on managing side effects? What can I do to take care of myself during treatment?
• How do you feel about clinical trials? Would you recommend that I participate in one?
• What should I tell other people (kids, parents, siblings, friends, etc.) about my cancer when they ask?
• Can I be treated at home, or do I have to be treated at the hospital?
• Will you help me arrange for second opinions if I feel unsure about a next step in my treatment program?
• What will my testing and follow-up schedule be?